Before and after

Last week I decided that I was going to 'get rid of' the clothes I no longer wear.  It sounded like a good plan!!!

When I looked in the wardrobe I realised that I hadn't got that many clothes.   I have one wardrobe - not very big and I keep all my summer and winter stuff in there.  

I spotted this skirt (top picture) and decided it 'had to go'.  I must've bought it some ten to fifteen years ago when Cotton Traders had an outlet in a local garden centre.  It was much longer than it is here.  I've worn it and worn it as you can see and shortened it too.  The reason I gave up wearing it is because it doesn't have pockets.  I LIKE POCKETS!!!!

I got it out of the wardrobe and decided on the spur of the moment that I'd make some pockets for it!!!  Over the years I've also got to hate the buttons on the skirt too so they went and I covered the ugly buttonholes with matching fabric.

I have a NEW SKIRT!!!!  The difference in the colours is because I took the first picture in the sunny conservatory and the second one in the living room!!!!  The 'real' colour is somewhere in between!!!!

A bit of a diversion!

Again!!!  

I'm still working on the Dutch patterns and still slowly blogging progress.  Tim is doing well trying to finish Beatrix and has reported that he's doing really well with the spiral chains.  

I daren't start another pattern (yes, I've found two more that I think are worth spending time with) until Beatrix and the oval doilies are up on my site.  I have got a rough translation of another round doily done, though but that's only a very small start!!!

Meantime my good friend Sandra who puts up with me when I go to Tat Days has tempted me off the 'straight and narrow' and into making pot holders/dishcloths.  It was a combination of seeing her knitting lots and a conversation with my daughter and granddaughter that caused me to buy a ball of cotton double knitting yarn.  I tried knitting it but the result was too 'floppy' so I undid the two knitted ones and started on crocheting instead!!!  The pictures below are one knitted square and one half done knitted round one.  Right at the bottom is the CROCHETED square which you can see easily from the picture is a lot, lot better.  I haven't enough of this yarn to make another like the bottom one so will make another single layer one.  The 'recipe' for the bottom pot holder can be found here and I thought it was good fun to make.

The third round

I'm still plodding on with the oval doilies and I think it was a good decision to work all three at once even though I do sometimes get into a bit of a panic with which set of destructions I should be working on!!!

Now this round worked in the tan colour is the slightly more complicated one.  The chains are spiral chains.  They're easy to do once you get 'in the zone' but there is a catch in that the middle doily the stitch count is slightly different.  That's when I did get BC3 freaking out.  

Once I'd done a couple of chains it all fell into place.

Black earrings

I've used the same finding (doodad) as in this post and created a pair of earrings to match.  Will I ever wear these or the set?  I doubt it!!!

I'm wondering what to do with this set and others.  My friend Joanie gave me lots of these necklaces to play with and they're the sole reason I have started to make pendants again!  The only problem I have is what to do with them.  Does anybody want one?  

I think I'm going to give them away for just a small donation towards thread/beads and the price of the postage.  Would anybody be interested?  I've got this black 'set' and another two sets to come.

A present from Abbi

Simple!!

This is just one of the doilies with the second round finished.  I'm not going to bore you with them all!!! This is the top doily, though in case you're interested!!!

Can you see how easy this is?  Don't be fooled - there are some complications to come but they are pretty straightforward.  

PROMISE

Judith's leaf

Just for a change!!! 

I need to have a change from time to time and Judith Connors - the famous tatter in Australia kindly sent me a copy of their Newsletter.

In it she'd put this variation of Ruth Scharf's leaf pattern.  Obviously Judith had discussed this with Ruth as it was her idea in the first place.

The difference isn't obvious at first - wonder who can spot it?  No, I'm not going to tell you unless you come and twist my arm but you're not allowed to do that because of the virus so I feel safe!!!!  I will tell you if nobody's guessed in a later post.

I went through a serious addiction to Ruth's leaf back a while ago.  

The third middle!

Here's the middle of the third oval doily that I'm working on.  

When I first looked at the pictures back here all three looked the same to me.  It wasn't until I settled down to look closely (thank goodness  for magnification on a computer) that I realised there were differences.  

Now to sort out the next round to see what happens next!!!!

Number two!

I wasn't quite sure which was the best way to tackle the three doilies as I didn't want to be starting all over again once I'd done just one in it's entirety!!!

So being the sort of person I am I decided to do all three centres first.  

Here's the centre of the second one.  This was a lot easier as this pattern has been replicated a thousand times by many, many people.

Time to tackle middle number three!!!

Now for some oval adventures!

This is my next task to tackle!!  Again from the Dutch books which I’m still enthralled by.  

I just love these three doilies and they're going to be my next project!!!  If anybody would like to take on the task of test tatting one I'd be very grateful for the help.  They're going to be very straightforward for a test tatter but a bit of a nightmare sorting out the translation as it appears that the outer rounds of all three are the same - BUT with one small exception.  

They're all rings and chains with a few spirals thrown in too - which makes it more interesting.  So, for that reason, I think I'll only need one test tatter!!!

The bottom picture is the centre of the top picture and although it looks 'wonky' I can assure you that it's fine!!!  Just probably needs an iron plonked on it at some point!!!!

Now WHAT would you call this?

Back to the 'was an earring - now a pendant'!

Do you remember that I started this earring back in May?  Well it was going to be an earring but I rather got carried away!!!  It's now a pendant but I am going to make an earring to go with it.  

This is another of the same pattern but unfortunately it's rather sparkly so doesn't show up that well on a photo.  

I need to settle down now and sort the earring out AND get this slightly stiffened too.  Now where did I leave my white glue?

Beatrix is finished

Round six is finished.  

Can you see what I mean about row 6 and how it finishes off the whole doily?  This was a lovely doily to make.

Once Tim has given me the 'go ahead' I'll put it on my site.  It's now called Beatrix after Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands.  The original designer hadn't given this beauty a name, sadly.

Moaning Monday

I wonder if it’s a language translation problem but why do some people call thread - ‘string’?  

To me string is something you use to tie things together.  I always think of string as being tough and quite a lot thicker than we use in mainstream tatting.

Is it something to do with translating from another language?

In the end I had to look it up with Mr Google and he says this.  I asked  him again in case he was telling me fibs and this is another definition.  

So today's Moaning Monday isn't really a moan at all - more a query!!!  

Onwards and outwards!!!

Round five now completed and I'm off to start on round six!!! 

This is a replica of round five BUT there are subtle differences on the stitch count in places.  Kept me on my toes - or rather on my butt.  Tat, tat, tat I went as I carried on doing the round!!!

Six is going to prove a challenge as it needs two shuttles and the nun tells you that in the pattern which is a great help.  Lots of twisting and messing about but the final round absolutely makes this doily stand out.  I'm going to devote the weekend to getting round six finished.  Well unless I get distracted which, as you know, often happens!!!

Another task done

I'm not going to wear a mask until I absolutely HAVE to. I've made some just in case, though.

I've made seven so far (four for my daughter's family, one for another family member and two for me) and have a request for two more. 

This is probably the best photo you'll ever get of me as it hides most of my face!!! 

Couldn't resist using this fabric!!! This is the link where I got the pattern from. Really easy to make.

The main problem I have is that when I tried it on I found that I have to stop breathing or it steams up my glasses.  That in turn makes it quite dangerous to walk around - like in a heavy fog.  I probably need to get a snorkel or something to help take the steam away from my specs!!!  Life ain’t half hard for an oldie like me at times!!

It's actually not recommended by our NHS to stop breathing so I'm going to only wear one of these masks IF I have to.  

Again and again!!

Well here's the correct round four!!! Pleased to have got over that hurdle!!!

Snip, snip, snip!!!

This is/was/will be round 4 eventually!!!! I got to the end of round four (middle picture) and realised there was a mistake in round 3!!! 

Well that's a whole round cut out!!!

Guess what? It was totally and utterly my own STUPID fault too. Can you see that in round 3 there is a join to the middle of the two joined picots - where the cut threads are? Well, I missed one join there. I'd checked before starting round four too and it all looked fine. The bottom picture is the sad remains!!! 

When I had cut it off and started wondering quite how to repair round 3 I found that it was actually the last part of that round where I'd gone wrong so I was soon on my way again. More another day!!

Third round Dutch doily

As you can see I’m still in love with this Dutch doily. I’d love suggestions for a name as I feel it deserves one. 

The large oval doily I did was called Juliana by the designer and Tim has suggested (bless him - he’s test tatting this one too) that this could be called Queen. What do you think? 

It’s going to have spiral chains in it so something to do with those may be appropriate?

New earrings

Back here I was trying to make a new pair of earrings but instead it became a pendant - which I’ve mislaid so haven’t been able to settle down to do the pattern!!! 

As I was wanting earrings I started another pair!!! This is a really easy idea so they didn’t take long. In fact the part that takes longest is finding and putting the shepherd crook findings on!!!

After a good start

I had to carry on!!! 

This is round two and as it's only rings and chains it was really straightforward. Wonder how long I'll stay motivated?!?! 

That's the 'thing' about doilies. They remind me of my childhood as they were (along with collars) about the only patterns I could get my mucky mitts on. I have a love hate relationship with them nowadays. I HATE them because they're so darn useless in my home situation but sort of love them because they can be so pretty.

The other 'good thing' about a doily for me is that once a round is learned then it's a good carry around project to take with you. During lockdown, of course, that hasn't been required so I think this is why I'm doing the Dutch project. Also I've got more time to sit at the computer too!!!

Off on another Dutch adventure

Having experienced the spiral chains in the small bow pattern I had another look through the books to see if the nun had used them anywhere else. Low and behold I found them in one of the larger doilies.  

Obviously I HAD to do this next. 

The centre ring was obviously made, cut and tied then the first round added but this intrepid tatter (tat’s meeee) did away with that immediately although it can be worked the way it was stated in the pattern. 

I used two shuttles for this and travelled out to a split ring with a 'mock' picot or BTS (bare thread space) whatever you like to call it!!! Worked really well and this was my first attempt at this part!!!  Upwards and outwards, eh?

Moaning Monday

Yes it's another of those Moaning Monday posts again.

The subject this time is Pinterest. I HATE Pinterest and will not pin anything there AT ALL. The only thing I have done is add my own pattern links on my 'bit' in the hopes that people can find what they want if they want to.

When I go searching Google (which I often do) for things I have seen before but can't remember where (usually a tatting design and because I'm too lazy to go through my books) the first few places to come up all lead to Pinterest. I ignore those and go further down the page.

I left Pinterest some years ago as I could see so much copyright theft going on but realised that it could probably and possibly help me if I set up my own board there just to put links to my individual patterns. This is what I've tried to do over the past year or two although I do tend to forget!! 

Yesterday I spent valuable tatting time updating my Pinterest board which you can find here - if you should want/need it.

A twisted picot

From a twisted brain!!!

I've used this before (see this snail) and I'm sure it's not new but decided that having done the butterflies I ought to add a technique page too!! I always get things backwards way on!!!

Anyway, here's the link to how to do a twisted picot AND how to add in a bead if required too. It passes the time of day!!!

Second blanket finished

Do you remember the blanket I knitted with the mitred squares? No? Well here’s the link. 

I wasn’t particularly happy with that one so decided I’d make another. Well first of all I weighed the first blanket and then my remaining stash to find that I’ve got more than enough for another blanket!!! I think I showed you the start of this second one but haven’t bored you with too many posts!!! Here it is finished and ready to go to whoever wants it. I’m hoping one of our local care homes would like it but will wait until I’ve done the second one.

The original pattern is all garter stitch but this time I’m going to do it in stocking stitch. I need to practice that as since I’ve taught myself continental knitting I’ve not done a lot of purl. I do like a little stress in my life!!!

Both Butterflies with links to patterns

All done and ready to fly. I’ve put them on different URL’s so you don’t have to print out too many pages. 

Here’s the link to the 3D one.

Here’s the link to the flat one.

As we’re still on semi lockdown meaning none of my other activities like silver surfers and craft groups are still not meeting I’m going to continue with the Dutch books. I’ve found a doily which looks really interesting so am going to make a start on that. Look out Mr Google translate - here I come again!!!!

Meet the new love of my life

Well it’s the Dreamlit shuttle (see this link) which I’ve found to be my favourite workhorse. I have 3 of them (with another on order!) but have been misplacing the bobbins and having to hunt them down!! I haven’t found a container that would be of any use for them so decided to make some. 

These are going to be so useful if I’ve got bobbins wound for other projects I can keep them wound in these little cases and they won’t ‘undo’ themselves!!! 

I’m wondering whether anybody else would be interested in the bobbin holders? I know that the Dreamlit shuttles fit nicely into the poke proof pouches but the oval shaped bobbins don’t fit into this type of bobbin holder which I've made in the past.

They’re lined (as you can see) and have a light stiffening fabric inside too. I’ve made this one and will be making others today!!!

Butterflies can be flat, you know!!!

Having done the little 3D butterfly (nearly finished the web page) I thought of those who may not want a 3D body and decided to make another version which is flat!!

Here it is and I’m hoping to have both critters up and flying in a day or two. 

This version can be made all in one but it did mean some jiggling with the order of working the little critter. Many thanks to Martha who happened to drop by my inbox and was looking for something to do for a day or two!!! My goodness - she’s got an eye for detail, bless her cotton socks including the sock she’s currently knitting. Thanks, Martha.

Trying to decide

I'm trying to decide which is my favourite but it's impossible!!! I don't often like using variegated threads but for these it seems to work well. After all butterflies aren't just one colour, are they?

Work is almost done on the drawings so now I just have to assemble the page and fit it onto the blank pages in a way that will save paper and ink for those who want to print it out.

This is always a major, MAJOR concern of mine - saving the planet by trying to fit everything onto as few sheets as possible but making the pattern easily readable. 

Personally I never print off a pattern whether mine or anybody else's. I work entirely in a digital form. I check that the patterns fit a page by doing a 'print preview' and then, when I'm happy, it's a 'done deal'!!! That's the beauty of using Pages (I use a mac) as it's so easy to move stuff around.

Right - time for a cuppa!!!!

It just HAD to happen

Addiction set in. 

These little cuties are such fun to make. Although you do have to do one cut and tie but that's all there is. I've made it so you can progress from the body to one set of side wings which helps a lot. 

Drawings have started for the finished pattern so lockdown is still working in my favour!!! 

Lockdown gives me time to start and finish within a short timescale - just cause I can't go far to find/make mischief!!!

Next project and an apology

First of all an apology from a silly old moooooo.  That's me!!!  I'd done a 4th drawing for the small bow and somehow deleted it before 'pdf'ing it and uploading it!!!  I've corrected myself and given my left hand a slap with my right  hand!  The 4th diagram is now on the pattern.

Now the next project that I'm doing is the butterfly in one of the Dutch books.

The first puzzle to me was the fact that there appeared to be two of them with slightly different bodies. You can see them in the picture below.

Once I'd translated the pattern and read and re-read it a few times I realised that the one on the left with the ends dangling was the same but 'not quite finished'. So I've abandoned the nun's destructions for the body as it involved sewing the it into a tube and went in search of another idea.

Well, there it was right under my stupid little nose. It's part of the fairy that I did here. As the legs/arms of the design have been stolen by two other people for their 'original’ patterns - and without asking me first, I thought it would be OK to use the idea for the new body.

So, I've modified it a little and it's now the new body of the butterfly.

I need to draw this up and do all the usual 'stuff' to it and then I'll share it. I may have to bore you with a few more pictures in the meantime as I'm going to enjoy making these!!! 

Bow pattern finished.

Finally finished the links yesterday so here's the completed pattern.

I hope somebody will make it and use the spiral tatting from the link I shared yesterday.

Now, what shall I do next?!?!?

A finished bow!!

Well the fiddling around with it and sorting it out is finished but now I have to finish the text and drawings to go with the actual tatting!!! 

This is the Dutch bow that I found in the little books and fell in love with. It's got the spiral tatting in it and this was where I learned the trick of making the spiral chain!!!  Here's a 'how to' page.

Hope to have the pattern finished by tomorrow - there are certain advantages to lockdown!!! Keeping me in captivity forces me to actually complete things!!!

First attempt small bow

I found another bow in the Dutch books which I fell in love with. Again this needed a lot of thinking about and that really hurts my brain!!!

You can see from this first and failed attempt (well, actually it's probably the third attempt as the others got thrown away) that there are spiral chains in this pattern.

This is a technique that I've happily avoided for years and years!!! I'm NOT a 'dropper of shuttles' as it slows me down. In all the destructions (sorry, instructions) I've seen it says to work 5 or so first half doubles then drop your shuttle over the work. WHAT? NO tatter wants to let go of their shuttles!!

But here's the thing. This was one clever nun/sister as she didn't do that. She said to - well, here's a technique page to show you. I’ve NEVER seen a spiral chain done this way but now it’s the only way I’ll ever do them in future!!!

I hope to get this done over the weekend and hopefully on my pattern site by the middle of the week.

Another earring design

Well that's what it started out as but it ended up being far too big so it's now become a pendant!!!

The necklace part is one of a whole LOT that my dear friend Joanie gave me when I was staying with her in America last September. I've used quite a few as I do tend to wear pendants.

Can you see that with this doodad I've actually joined to the centre by taking the thread up and down underneath the outer holes. Took a bit of fiddling but after the first one it was easy!!! That's my story and I'm sticking to it too!!!!

I've only got notes for this design as I'm not sure if anybody would want it. I'm definitely going to make more for myself though!!!!

I DID it!!!

I sat my sorry butt down on my chair in the 'office' (another of our clutter rooms) and made myself do the links for the Medina angel yesterday.

I'll admit that I was going to do it on Sunday but I suddenly saw a glaring mistake (or, rather three) in the drawings!!! I gave myself a thorough ticking off and sorted them out.

Meantime I'm now starting on another Dutch adventure - by the time I've finished with these little books I'll have earned myself a pair of Dutch clogs and probably even a windmill!!!!

Oh, nearly forgot - here's the link.

This is the original picture that I worked from for the bow.

I've finished Medina

Well, almost!!! With thanks to the test tatters.

The 'only' thing I've got to do now is to put the page on my pattern site. I think I stand a chance of getting it done today!

This was a relatively easy project as I'd beaten the original bow into submission already!! The only problem I've had with this is I got a bit 'lost' with which shuttle should have which beads on but I've left it as it is as I figured (least BC3 did) that most tatters who would tackle this project would know to do a switching of shuttles etc to get them in the right place!!!

There's NO WAY I was going to go back and work out the yardage on this project either as I must admit I'm now glad to see the back of it.

BUT (and you must treat this as a public warning) I am working on another of the 'lost' patterns from these wonderful little Dutch books.

Starting on the angel

As promised I've now started on the angel but with plentiful beads!! Well, a girls gotta have her beads, hasn't she? When I use the word 'girl' I really mean Old Git - meeeee!!!

Hopefully this version of the Medina bow won't take quite so long to do but who knows!!! It's already completed and awaiting my dear test tatters to find the hiccups. Jane has already found a few!!!